5But oh, that God would speak,#This is another of many ironies (e.g., cf. 11:16–19) that occur throughout the book. Zophar does not know that God will speak (chaps. 38–42), but contrary to what he thinks.

and open his lips against you,

6And tell you the secrets of wisdom,

for good sense has two sides;

So you might learn that God

overlooks some of your sinfulness.

7Can you find out the depths of God?#a. [11:7] Rom 11:33.

or find out the perfection of the Almighty?

8It is higher than the heavens; what can you do?

It is deeper than Sheol; what can you know?

9It is longer than the earth in measure,

and broader than the sea.

10If he should seize and imprison

or call to judgment, who then could turn him back?

11For he knows the worthless

and sees iniquity; will he then ignore it?

12An empty head will gain understanding,

when a colt of a wild jackass#b. [11:12] Jb 39:5–8. is born human.#A colt…is born human: the Hebrew is obscure. As translated, it seems to be a proverb referring to an impossible event.

13If you set your heart aright

and stretch out your hands toward him,

14If iniquity is in your hand, remove it,

and do not let injustice dwell in your tent,

15Surely then you may lift up your face in innocence;

you may stand firm and unafraid.

16For then you shall forget your misery,

like water that has ebbed away you shall regard it.

17Then your life shall be brighter than the noonday;

its gloom shall become like the morning,

18And you shall be secure, because there is hope;

you shall look round you and lie down in safety;#c. [11:18] Lv 26:6; Ps 4:9.